Needs Assessment and Referral Counselor

RN or Master’s Degree in relevant field required. RNs must have valid SC Nursing License. Equivalent level reading, writing and mathematical skills needed. Inpatient experience preferred. Familiarity with the treatment continuum of care, clinical terminology and of patient rights pertaining to mental health. Utilize and apply current DSM nomenclature. Possess the aptitude to effectively manage crises and potentially combative patients while maintaining personal and emotional equilibrium. Maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with HIPPA and hospital policy.

Professional mannerism including: legible handwriting, outstanding oral communication skills, time management and sound organizational skills. To utilize interpersonal skills to convey empathy, to overcome denial and resistance to treatment, as well as, promote office teamwork. Basic data entry skills required, and preference for basic computer skills. Skills to use basic medical equipment – breathalyzer and blood pressure monitor. Capacity to work independently, to accept supervision and work cooperatively in a team environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
Possible exposure to psychiatric patients who may exhibit violent/aggressive behavior; potential exposure to communicable diseases, blood/body fluids and, other hazardous waste. Ability to exercise self-control in potentially volatile situation such as being verbally or physically confronted in a threatening or aggressive manner. Must be able to work and concentrate amidst distractions such as noise, conversation and foot traffic. Ability to handle interruptions often and be able to move from one task to another. Must be flexible and not easily frustrated in dealing with differences of opinions. Able to assist in patient restraints and seclusions.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have full range of mobility in upper and lower body; be able to reach overhead; be able to work in various positions, including stooping, standing, bending over, sitting, kneeling and squatting for extended periods of time; be able to lift, pull and push materials and equipment to complete assigned job tasks; and be able to frequently lift 10-20 pounds of weight throughout the assigned workday.

Ability to express and exchange ideas via spoken language or important spoken instructions to others accurately, sometimes quickly and loudly. Hearing to perceive sound with no less than 40 db loss @ Hz,1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz with or without correction; ability to perceive detailed information through oral communication and to make fine discriminations in sound. Perform repetitive motions with wrists, hands and fingers.

Work requires a minimum standard of visual acuity with or without correction that will enable people in the role to complete administrative and clerical tasks and visually observe patients on the unit and in therapeutic activities. While worker may possibly be subjected to temperature changes, the worker is generally not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions as the work is predominantly inside.

• Treat everyone as a guest by making a good first impression, anticipating needs and displaying service recovery skills.
• Demonstrate professionalism and excellence by looking professional, being accountable for actions and delivering excellence in our everyday work.
• Practice teamwork by participating in decision-making and process improvement, communicating effectively and focusing on the problem/issue, not the person.